#DignifiedMenstruation for #SchoolHealthNurse, #MinistryofHealthNepal

Menstrual Discrimination practiced by School Health Nurse originated from Bhaktapur, Nuwakot, Ramechapp, Rasuwa, Rukum, Saptari and Sidhupalchowk. Total 24 nurses participated in the session of the “Dignified Menstruation” at the School Health Nurse Program on April 27, 2022 at Patan Hospital. 23 participants out of 24 has experienced a different types of menstrual discrimination. One participant from the Nuwakot, shared her experience of not following the rules of untouched, mobility during her menstruation. The following restrictions were gathered from the participants which they shared by writing in the separate paper. 1. Feeling shamed, not allowed to have nutritious food. 2. Kept in a separate house for 6 days, not allowed to touch and see the male members of family, sunlight 3. Feeling of afraid, sad, crying, anxious 4. Prohibited from free mobility to kitchen, temple 5. Used separate bed and utensils 6. Heavy bleeding, severe pain in stomach, waist 7. Washed used clothes pad by hiding 8. Took daily bath till 7 days 9. Problem in maintaining hygiene 10. Not showed face to other members of family • Problem of water management, waste management • Girls feel shame to talk about the menstruation and ask for the menstrual pad • Lack of quality menstrual pad • Unusual behavior of male student at classroom while talking about menstruation • Girls feel hesitated to go school during menstruation, • No rest area • Teasing the girls who are menstruating The feeling and essence of Dignified Menstruation seems to be very important for the schools management and community people. Prepared by Sapan Poudel, RPF